New York Knicks: What If Free Agency Goes Wrong?
The New York Knicks enter the 2019 NBA offseason with cash and high hopes. In today’s NBA, that’s just not enough. But with a slew of great players available and rumors swirling, the Knicks may actually have a shot at being special. But what if they miss? What if they fail to land Kyrie Irving or a Kemba Walker type player?
Who’s next on their list?
Now, adding Irving and Kevin Durant (before his injury) would have instantly put the Knicks in the playoffs. Despite having the worse record in the league at the end of this season, the Knicks’ roster still has some nice talent. The young guys such as Kevin Knox, Dennis Smith Jr, Damyean Dotson, and Allonzo Trier will need grooming but they’re in the right spot. Add Durant and Irving to that core, and the Knicks have hope.
But right now, that’s all they have. The Knicks’ front office is gambling that the bright lights of the Madison Ave will draw one or more of the NBA’s best to a city in a division where four teams made the playoffs in 2019. But if either of those choices whiffs, then the Knicks will look to a plan B and C. That’s hoping they have one.
With Durant, Walker, Kawhi Leonard, and Irving possibly heading elsewhere, the Knicks can still focus their attention to players such as, Al Horford, DeMarcus Cousins and more. But can they still win? Yes. It’s safe to say that Leonard will shy away from New York. Nothing against the team, but his personality and this city is not a great fit. Plus, after winning a title with the San Antonio Spurs and then leading the Toronto Raptors to a championship, why take a step back?
With Leonard off the board, there’s still hope. Thompson will resign back with the Warriors and even still, there are plenty of players left on the board. Why not bring Kemba Walker back to NY? Imagine the Knicks paying top dollar for a homegrown player who can fill seats, get buckets, and bring a chip on his shoulder that shows he’s there for more than exposure.
Another player the Knicks can target is DeMarcus Cousins. Although he’s had a rough season and a half, Cousins, when healthy is still a top-tier talent. What works in the Knicks’ favor is that no team will be knocking down his door with a max deal. The Knicks could swoop in and offer him starter minutes, the keys to the post, and a shot at redemption.
That’s just the top of the iceberg for them. With SG still being a need for the New York Knicks despite drafting R.J. Barrett, Jeremy Lamb, J.J, Redick, and Jimmy Butler are still available. Each player adds a dimension to the team that’s missing now. Plus, they will also get that veteran presence needed in a young locker room.
If their post presence is a big issue, the Knicks can roll the dice with soon-to-be second-year player Mitchell Robinson who averaged 7.3 points and 6.4 rebounds in limited action his rookie year. And, if reports are true, they could still end up with DeAndre Jordan as their main pivot player.
Winning in the Atlantic Divison will indeed be tough as the Philadelphia 76ers, Brooklyn Nets, Boston Celtics, and Raptors will still be a force. Right now, the Knicks are checking their bank balance figuring who to give the cash to. There will be no Durant without Irving and vice versa. There will be no Leonard or Thompson but that still leaves them as major players this summer.
What the Knicks must sell these players on is potential. But will a player like Paul Millsap, Redick, Marc Gasol or Butler be willing to waste their prime years on a rebuilding team? Not likely. What makes this summer so important for the New York Knicks is the success of the Nets. If the Nets did not make the playoffs this season, this would be a different conversation.
Right before the All-Star break, the rumors begin to fly that Kyrie Irving and the Knicks were destined. However, Irving and the Nets appear to be headed towards a great relationship while their second option, Durant will spend the next season healing. This is what has the Knicks and their fans on edge. They have a chance to do something great and may be outshined by their neighbors in Brooklyn.
What it all boils down to are wants and needs. The New York Knicks are cheered on by a loyal fan base. Plays in what is considered to be the mecca of basketball in Madison Square Garden, and has money to spend for two max players. And yet, does anyone want to be there? Although free agency is their prime objective, what they cannot afford to do is trade away anyone. The Knicks must keep their picks and young players or else.
The Knicks want to win now but may be stuck in that same mode that the Los Angeles Lakers are in. As good of a tradition as they have, it still comes down to the players. How many high-priced players are running to LA to play with LeBron James? How many of those players will be willing to play for the Knicks with a playoff-tested Nets team across the bridge with better potential?
However, money talks and the New York Knicks have plenty of it. Just so happens, so does the Brooklyn Nets. And right now, money is not the deciding factor for the stars the Knicks are pursuing. If that’s all they have to woo a free agent, then their only option is going the second and third-tier players and paying them top-tier money.
Mark has been covering Sports and Entertainment for the past six years. His work has been featured on Bleacher Report, ESPN, Fox Sports, Teen Vogue, and many other websites.
